Posted!

Join the Conversation

Comments

Welcome to our new and improved comments, which are for subscribers only.
This is a test to see whether we can improve the experience for you.
You do not need a Facebook profile to participate.

You will need to register before adding a comment.
Typed comments will be lost if you are not logged in.

Please be polite.
It's OK to disagree with someone's ideas, but personal attacks, insults, threats, hate speech, advocating violence and other violations can result in a ban.
If you see comments in violation of our community guidelines, please report them.

Under terms of the deal, Jones will face four days of house arrest, one year supervised probation, 90 days of outpatient therapy, and will be fined $500. He will avoid jail so long as he satisfies the terms of his deal.

Jones, 32, had not spoken publicly since the incident last week. But after news of the plea deal went public, Jones issued a statement through his management team, accepting full responsibility for his actions and expressed particular disappointment given the circumstances around the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic.

Jon Jones speaks to the media on Thursday, Feb. 6, ahead of his fight with Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 on Feb. 8.(Photo: MMA Junkie)

“While we all work to understand and cope with stress and uncertainties surrounding the current state of our world, I want to express how truly disappointed I am that I have become the source of a negative headline again, especially during these trying times,” Jones said. “I am disappointed for letting down the people I care about the most – my family, friends and my fans. This morning I entered into a plea deal with the Albuquerque DA’s office. I accept full responsibility for my actions, and I know that I have some personal work to do to which involves the unhealthy relationship I have with alcohol.

“I have dedicated so much time and energy to improve my community, and I will not allow this personal setback to hinder my work within the community when we need it most. I truly appreciate the support I have received from the community of Albuquerque and all my fans around the world. I very much look forward to putting this behind me. Thank you all for your continued love and support and please take care of yourselves.”

Jones’ arrest was the latest in a long string of brushes with the law for the fighter considered by many the greatest in MMA history. The highest profile incidents were a 2012 escapade in which he was charged with DUI after crashing his Bentley into a telephone pole in upstate New York, and a 2015 occasion in which he was charged with hit-and-run after injuring a pregnant woman in a collision in Albuquerque.

CLOSE

The Union-Endicott graduate has been dominant in the octagon for the UFC, with his only setbacks coming outside the cage.
Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin

Jones’ latest arrest was captured on police bodycam video, which showed the UFC champ in a fragile state of mind and breaking down into tears while he was being loaded into a police cruiser.

Jones’ last fight took place Feb. 8, when he won a controversial decision over Dominick Reyes at UFC 247.